PUBP 702:
Comparative Political Institutions
This course is an introduction to and broad survey of political institutions from a comparative perspective. The comparative perspective is engaged in order to more clearly reveal and appreciate both common and unique features among political systems, and to determine their relative significance and implications in the world today. Special attention is given the ideological, institutional, and cultural structures on which political, economic, and social relations are dependent. Relevant issues are examined across a wide range of countries and regions to provide a concrete foundation for understanding public policy and political institutions in the contemporary global system.
Requirements
The class takes an interactive lecture/seminar format. All students are expected to come to class prepared, having completed the required readings for each week, and to participate in class discussions. In addition, students are each required to make one presentation, for which they will also facilitate discussion. Also, each student must complete an analytical research paper and take a comprehensive final examination. Grades are based on class participation (15%), the presentation (20%), the research paper (30%), and the final examination (35%).
Required
Reading
In addition to a wide variety of selected articles and chapters, required
reading for the course includes the following books:
Almond, G.A., G.B. Powell, Jr., K. Strom, and R. Dalton. 2000. Comparative Politics: A Theoretical Framework, 3rd edition. New York: Longman.
Diamond, Larry, and Marc F. Plattner, eds. 1996. The Global Resurgence of Democracy, second edition. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
de Tocqueville, Alexis. 2000. Democracy in America, edited by J.P. Mayer, translated by G. Lawrence. New York: HarperPerennial.
Rodrik, D. 1999. The New Global Economy and Developing Countries: Making Openness Work. Washington, D.C.: Overseas Development Council.
UNESCO. 1998. World Culture Report 1998: Culture, Creativity, and Markets. Paris: UNESCO.
World Bank. 1997. World Development Report 1997: The State in a Changing World. New York: Oxford University Press.